Bolt Lift Kit

[jkv45]

Savage rifles are like pickup trucks.

Tikkas and Bergaras are like sports sedans.

Before buying my Model 10 FCP HS Precision .308 I did consider Tikka and Bergara, but in the end the Savage won out - mostly because of the HS Precision stock. I have modified the bolt lift, and it's better, but it will never be like a Tikka or Bergara - which is fine as long as the rounds go where they are supposed to.

EDIT: I also added the larger "Tactical" bolt handle in place of the standard one. Slightly longer and larger, and gives a bit more leverage. Midway has them on sale regularly for about $25. Not sure why my Model 10 wouldn't come with one, other models do.

[JeepsAndGuns]

Like others, I have had about the same results.
My girlfriends model 12 in 223 is the only savage I have that has not been timed and trued.
I chucked up some brass in my lathe and made custom bolt lift kits to replace the loose fitting 38 special case. The ones I made fit the sleeve like a glove and use a small ball bearing.
On her model 12, I ended up using a washer that ended up being the exact same thickness as the lift kit insert I made. I added a little moly grease to the ball bearing.
I measured with a dial indicating inch pound torque wrench before and after. It reduced it by exactly 1 inch pound. So you pretty much do not even notice it. But I have not seen any reason to take it back apart and remove it.